Moving Picture World (Nov-Dec 1923)

November 24, 1923 415 MOVING PICTURE WORLD “David Copperfield” at Cameo Given High Praise by Critics Associated Exhibitors’ "David Copperfield” made its bow in New York last week at the Cameo Theatre and the reviewers of the daily newspapers united in a chorus of praise. The attraction played to crowded and enthusiastic gatherings daily and was held over for a second week. In the course of a review filling more than a half column, the New York Times critic said: “Just walk into the Cameo Theatre and see ‘David Copperfield.’ This is a picture wh.ch Dickens lovers will enjoy, as it is such a beautific change from some of the stories that are bought, paid for and produced by film concerns. Take a trip to the Cameo and get a mental rest for an hour or so.” The Evening Mail said : “There came to the Cameo Theatre yesterday a motion picture so simple and dramatic in its presentation, so perfect in characterization, and so beautifully pictorial that we do not hesitate to recommend it to those who scofif at the films and to screen patrons. That picture is ‘David Copperfield.’ ” Said the Sun and Globe : "The film, to our way of thinxing, captures the spirit, the atmosphere and the age of the story quite excellently. And those three qualities are peculiarly elusive. In our opinion this is a classic rendition of one of our favorite stories — let those who criticise it say what they may.” The Daily News said in part: “They’ve got a dandy ‘David Copperfield’ up at the Cameo this week. There’s no need to say that the story is one to be enjoyed by youth and age alike, inasmuch as it follows closely Charles Dickens’s widely loved novel.” Evening Journal wrote : “Quietly, with little advance notice, a picture was exhibited at the Cameo Theatre yesterday that ought to make every movie fan caper with joy. It is ‘David Copperfield.’ It is a revelation to find a group of players performing with such a uniformly high calibre of ability. Not only is the acting praiseworthy, but the settings, the natural views, the photography and the direction are as nearly perfect as one could reasonably expect." Said the New York American: "Dickens’ immortal ‘David Copperfield’ opened yesterday with a splendidly chosen cast, beautiful settings, capable actors and understanding direction.” Said the World: “The producers have selected capable players. Particularly was Micawber like an old friend suddenly come to life. It is a simple, tasteful and faithful photograph of the author’s intention.” 1 he Tribune said : “There is much to enjoy in this presentation. The characters are Dickens’s own to the life.” The Morning Telegraph’s said: “The production is treated throughout as a masterpiece should be treated — with the highest respect and honesty.” Production Finished on Pa the Feature Pathe’s feature release schedule will shortly be augmented by a new six-reel production, "Rex, King of Wild Horses,” from the Hal Roach studios. The filming of this subject has just been completed and the finished picture is now being cut and titled preparatory to its shipment east about the middle of this month. “Rex, King of Wild Horses,” is the romance of an untamed stallion, written by Hal Roach. Report Bookings The W. W. Hodkinson Corporation reports that many first run houses throughout the country are booxing “Puritan Passions,” the Film Guild picturization of Percy Mackaye’s “The Scarecrow,” in which Glenn Hunter is starred. Among the important booxings listed are the State, New Bedford, Mass.; Jefferson, Muskegan, Mich.; Saenger Amusement Company, Shreveport, La.; Columbia, Baton Rouge, La.; Bijou, Woonsocket, R. I. Portla”t’. <^e” Likes November and December Will Be 1 his One . . , Big Months for First National “ ‘Richard the Lion-Hearted’ opened to exceptional business at the People's Theatre last Wednesday and is playing to capacity houses,” telegraphed Jensen von Herberg, manager of the People’s at Portland, Ore., to Hiram Abrams, president of Allied Producers and Distributors Corporation. “Every one thinks ‘Richard’ fine entertainment and the audiences appreciate the fineness of the production. Congratulations to you for supplying us with a real picture,” he concluded. A Prediction B. P. Schulberg’s prediction that his screen version of Owen Wister’s famous western romance, “The Virginian,” would be one of the box-office sensations of the new season, is finding justification in the business which this Preferred Picture is doing in every key city played to date. November and December will prove to be the biggest months of the present year as far as First National productions go. Before the end of 1923 ten pictures, which include several heavilycampaigned specials from independent producers and from First National’s own forces, will be issued. Nine of these pictures are completed at the present moment. One is in production. First National producers have passed through a period of intensive work during the past four months and the pictures now lined up ten weeks in advance are the result of the systematic and efficient policy under which the forces are functioning on the West Coast. Drama predominates in the ten forthcoming First Nationals. “Flaming Youth” is a society drama adapted from one of the sensational novels of the year. Colleen Moore is featured under the direction of John Francis Dillon. Another novel in screen form will be Sir Hall Caine’s “The Eternal City,1” directed by George Fitzmaurice in Rome, with Bert Lytell, Barbara La Marr, Richard Bennett, Lionel Barrymore and Montague Love as principals. Thomas H. Ince’s “Anna Christie” will be the first of the plays of Eugene O’Neill, generally conceded one of America’s most forceful playwrights, to reach the screen. Its principals are Blanche Sweet, William Russell and George Marion, of the original stage cast. “The Dangerous Maid” will be Constance Talmadge’s final contribution to the 1923 output. Maurice Tourneur will offer “Jealous Husbands,” a powerful dramatic story, presented by M. C. Levee. The leading charac ters are portrayed by Earle Williams, Jane Novak, Ben Alexander and Bull Montana. In “Twenty One” Richard Barthelmess appears in a modern story with Dorothy Mackaill as his leading lady. John S. Robertson, director of “The Bright Shawl,” is again at the helm. Society drama with a colorful background is offered by John M. Stahl, director, in “The Wanters.’" The program of dramatic offerings is lightened by “Her Temporary Husband,” Edward Paulton’s stage farce. Harold Bell Wright’s “When a Man’s a Man” and Katherine MacDonald in “Chastity” complete the First National ten. The former is now in production under the auspices of Principal Pictures Corporation and the latter is the’ last of the Katherine MacDonald society drama series distributed by First National. Universal Production Old Time Stage Success a Big Hit in London to Be Screened by Fox “Merry Go Round,” Universal’s sensational production featuring Mary Philbin and Norman Kerry, is making screen history in London, according to reports just received at the Universal home office. The London opening, in the Empire Theatre, Leicester Square, two weeks ago, was one of the most brilliant ever chronicled in the annals of British filmdom, and the success of the picture is astounding British film men. A striking phase of the London opening was the turn-out of British notables for the premiere. The Kerry-Philbin Jewel now is playing to capacity, according to Manager Edwin 0. Weinberg of the Empire Theatre. “Merry Go Round” will shortly move to another theatre to make room for “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” scheduled to open at the Empire, November 19. Advance information from Marc Lachmann, London manager of the Victor Hugo classic, indicates that the Chaney Jewel will prove the sensation of Europe. An exploitation campaign of great magnitude is being waged by Lachmann to put over the production. Another William Fox adaptation of notable stage plays comes in the production of “Hoodman Blind,” from the success of 1885 by Sir Henry Arthur Jones and Wilson Barrett. An actual shipwreck scene is one of the most realistic ever screened. David Butler has the leading masculine role, first played by Wilson Barrett in London and later by Kyrle Bellew at Wallack’s Theatre in New York. Annie Robe, then played the dual role now handled by Gladys Hulette. Assisting the principals with interpretations of the various roles are Regina Connelly, Frank Campeau, Marc McDermott, Trilby Clark, Jack Walters and Eddie Gribbon. The director was John Ford. Herbert as Major Holmes Herbert will play the part of Major Hillgrove in John S. Robertson’s production of “The Enchanted Cottage,” Richard Barthelmess’ next starring vehicle.